"Contemporary notions of war crimes and genocide emerged from the horrors of the Holocaust," Megan K. Stack writes in a guest essay today. "To hear the charge of genocide turned against the Jewish state often provokes a visceral disbelief among people." Yet at The Hague this week, the International Court of Justice is hearing charges from South Africa that Israel's response to the Oct. 7 atrocities by Hamas has been so vicious and brutal, so clearly targeted against the Palestinian people, that it amounts to genocide. The evidence is powerful and compelling, Stack says. The words of Israeli leaders themselves, presented as evidence by South Africa, show their intent. "We will eliminate everything" in Gaza, said Israel's defense minister. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israelis to remember the Old Testament account of the carnage of Amalek: "Spare no one, but kill alike men and women, infants and sucklings." Stack covered the Middle East for years. She has reported on years of struggle between Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank and in Gaza. Last month, she wrote with despair that because the Hamas attack and Israel's response have made a peaceful two-state solution even less likely, the Palestinian future appears to be "more displacement and death." While a final ruling by the tribunal, the United Nations' highest court, could take years, South Africa is asking for an immediate order that Israel cease military operations so people's lives can be saved. Such an outcome seems unlikely, even with a ruling in South Africa's favor, and may not be binding in practice. But, Stack writes, the hearing at the The Hague makes sure that the world cannot turn away from what is happening. Whether anything will be done is another question. "I don't have to wonder how it could have been allowed to happen," she concludes. "It is happening now and we've all been watching." Read the guest essay:
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Friday, January 12, 2024
Opinion Today: Will Israel be found guilty of genocide?
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